National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is an annual celebration to recognize the achievements of female athletes and the importance of equal opportunities for women in sports. Serving as a reminder of the improvements made in gender equality in athletics, the day highlights the importance that girls and women have the same opportunities as males.
First observed in 1987, NGWSD was formed to acknowledge the progress made since the passage of Title IX. Title IX is a federal law that was passed, to prohibit gender discrimination in education programs and activities that received federal funding. This included athletic departments. The Title made it possible for many more girls and women to participate in athletics than there were previously.
NGWSD is celebrated February 5th and there are many accompanying events that are held across the US around this time every year to celebrate this. For example, this year on February 9th at the University of Washington, the UW Women’s Basketball team welcomed the Maryland Terrapins to the Alaska Airlines Arena for UW’s National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Events like these allow communities to come together and recognize the progress that has been made and the importance of this progress.
Across Lincoln, many of the girls’ sports teams provide opportunities for younger female athletes to try out what their sports are, alongside what they like and learn about being a team member. For example, the Lincoln Volleyball team, Cheer team, and more all have events and programs in place to encourage young girls.
The Volleyball team hosts an annual summer camp for kids from 4th to 8th grade. The camp focuses on allowing campers to learn and improve their volleyball skills, play games, and ask questions about life at Lincoln as an athlete. Almost fully player run, the camp provides a valuable opportunity for players to encourage campers directly as well as gaining leadership experience.
Athlete Ellie Biszek (‘26) said that, “I really like getting to know the kids and figuring out what works for them so that they can be the most successful they can be.” She said that this was her favorite part about coaching the camp. She also mentioned that a large part of the importance of this camp is being able to see young girls’ confidence grow in both their skills and their relationships with one another throughout the camp. Spaces like these are crucial when working to build confidence and opportunities in sports for girls at a young age.
The cheer team has a program called Mini Lynx. This is a way for kids between the ages of 5 and 12 to learn how to cheer with the Lincoln cheerleaders and then get to come with the cheerleaders to games. During this program they also get to know the cheerleaders by playing games and hanging out.
The Mini Lynx program happens a few times a year and many of the cheerleaders look forward to it. When asked about her favorite part of Mini Lynx was, captain Reina McTaggart (‘25) said that, “I like inspiring them and getting them into a new sport that they maybe wouldn’t have considered before.” This program is another good example of one of the ways Lincoln sports support young girls.
It is clear that women’s sports have improved significantly in terms of equitable access. From before the enactment of Title IX, to current day here at Lincoln, ensuring a more equal space for female athletes has always been and continues to be a priority.
